Early modern letters as material objects.
A fully online course
This one-week online course, supported by two Q&A sessions with your tutor, presents an introduction to early modern letters and a guide to their use as historical sources.
Practical and skills-based
The focus is on the material features of letters, and what we can learn by looking at them not just as texts but as physical objects. Topics covered include the writing, sealing, delivery and filing of letters, as well as the circulation of news by letter; codes, ciphers and other strategies for securing confidential information; and the distinctive characteristics of early modern women’s letters.
The course will be of interest not only to historians but also to literary scholars and anyone working with manuscript sources from the period. It is particularly designed for students researching early modern archives, and for librarians and curators cataloguing early modern correspondence. Previous experience with early modern handwriting is desirable but not essential, as transcriptions will be included.
Entirely at your own pace
The course consists of six sessions, which you can take at any time during your 8 weeks of access to the platform. Each session has downloadable transcripts and lists of resources.
Please contact us (study.imems@durham.ac.uk) for further information.
Course outline
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- Gain confidence in handling, interpreting and describing early modern letters
- Have an awareness of early modern letters as physical objects and the principles of material epistolography
- Be able to identify the material features of letters (seals, endorsements, postal marks, paper types) and understand their evidential significance
- Understand the processes by which letters were written, sealed, delivered and preserved in the early modern period
- Know how to locate early modern correspondence in catalogues and archives
- Have a basic understanding of early modern letter-writing conventions, forms of address, and epistolary networks
Course specifications
Format
This course is delivered online. All content is asynchronous, supported by two optional Q&A live sessions where there will be a chance to ask questions and give feedback.
Q&A sessions are hosted on Microsoft Teams. You will receive the links to the next scheduled sessions with your confirmation e-mail upon booking.
Time investment
The course will be delivered asynchronously, via six pre-recorded lectures of 20-30 minutes each. You can follow the course at their own pace, but it is recommended that you watch 1-2 lectures per day in order to complete the course in 1-2 weeks.
You will have access to the course for 8 weeks from the start date.
Pricing
The full price for this course is £100.
Payment will be taken via Events@Durham by following the ‘Book now’ link above and below. We will be in touch with further details within 3 days of your booking.
Bursaries
No bursaries are offered for this course.
How to enrol
Book
Follow the link below or above to book via Event Durham.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail with links to the Q&A sessions within 3 days of booking.
Start
Start any time within 8 weeks of your confirmation e-mail.
You will have access to the platform for 8 weeks from the date your confirmation e-mail is sent.